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Hatesphere

Serpent Smiles And Killer Eyes

Written by: AP on 24/04/2007 22:58:23

Hatesphere is a name that surfaces at least once per month on this webzine. There are several reasons for this, one being that it is more or less an obligation, and another being that the band is a huge source of inspiration to me and for that they deserve my deepest respect. But there is one reason to rule them all: this band tours and tours, and when it isn't touring, it's spitting out some of the heaviest, densest music in the genre.

Hatesphere's fifth studio effort "Serpent Smiles And Killer Eyes" is as surprising as it is anticipated, in that it rebels against the band's set of rules regarding what kind of music to write. The outcome is a slower tempo, denser sound and unusual gimmicks. The band's famous groove-factor has been amplified to create simpler songs, allowing the two guitarists to unleash melodies that might seem too rock 'n roll for a band of this caliber. But used in moderation, they achieve more than they could potentially erase, both drawing in new ears and surprising the old. There is no doubt that "Serpent Smiles And Killer Eyes" is the band's grooviest release to date.

The band has by no means abandoned the old glamour, but rather added contrast with more breakdowns, more melodies and more slow parts only to burst into passages of sheer speed in between. Jacob Bredahl's vocals are some of the best in the genre and inject into the songs the attitude that Hatesphere stands for, occasionally even climbing to power metal dimensions. Though each songs serves something distinct, a few songs deserve extra credit. "Absolution" packs in all that "Serpent Smiles And Killer Eyes" represents: a groovy yet hardcore melody coupled with relentless speed concluded by an orchestral outro filled with theatrics and a solo showcase. On the other hand, there's "Feeding The Demons", which will surely soundtrack a few moshpits.

"Serpent Smiles And Killer Eyes" is a fresh breeze for metal, putting attitude where it belongs. It sounds new and experimental, yet unmistakably Hatesphere; a quality to strive for. Together with Chimaira's "Resurrection" it assumes a spot in the heaviest releases of the year, though it falls short of the perfection that is the aforementioned. Nonetheless, "Serpent Smiles And Killer Eyes" belongs to the metal elite.

Download: Absolution, Drinking With The King Of The Dead, Feeding The Demons

For the fans of: Chimaira, Lamb of God, The Haunted

Listen: Myspace

Release date 27.04.2007

Steamhammer

Provided by Target ApS